Sunday, June 17, 2012

Portugal 2 - 1 Netherlands (full-time) UPDATED

Netherlands started well, but it was Portugal who had the most chances, and they missed a lot of chances before scoring the equalizer in this half. Netherlands made their impact immediately, when a beautiful shot from outside the area Rafael van der Vaart put the Dutch in front hoping for Denmark to lose in order for them to have a chance to pass.

However, at this time Denmark and Germany were draw, so both Portugal and Netherlands were out. But after the goal Portugal had the most chances. After Ronaldo missed another good chance, it was the turn for Helder Postiga to miss a golden chance for Portugal to equalize, but Stekelenburg saved the shot onto a corner. Nigel de Jong had a chance from a corner with a header after he was left alone, as Netherlands believed more after Denmark were 1-0 down. But Denmark scored the equalizer in the other game, and 2 minutes later the same happened in this match. Cristiano Ronaldo received a beautiful pass, and with a one-on-one chance he shot into the back of the net.

But Ronaldo wasn't finished, as barely 3 minutes passed, when he shot a venom from way out, but Stekelenburg saved the ball, but could not hold onto the ball. Netherlands attacks were non-existent, as more Portugal kept attacking. netherlands need at least score another 2 to pass, but Denmark must lose, but the passes must improve, and they must believe more in themselves, as morale is low.

2nd half

Many thought that they would see an attacking Netherlands, but instead it was a really disappointing performance. Van Persie and Huntelaar were nowhere near the form they showed with their respective clubs. Ronaldo silenced his critics with 2 goals, a lot of passes, and even hitting the post. Nani and Ronaldo combined well in the beginning of the half but the chance did not develop. Van Persie was presented with a chance but his powerful shot was blocked rather well by Bruno Alves. Portugal scored the winning goal when Portugal counter-attacked by Nani, and passes the ball beautifully to Ronaldo and after dribbling Van der Wiel he scored an easy goal to make it 2-1 to Portugal.

Portugal could have added another when Oliveira counter-attacked again, but instead of passing the ball to Ronaldo he shot the ball and went wide. Van der Vaart could have scored the equalizer but his shot hit the post, and the rebound was cleared. More good news came to Portugal as Denmark were losing 2-1 and so even if they conceded a goal they would have still passed. Ronaldo could have scored a hat-trick, but his shot hit the post. A really disappointing Holland, when they were amongst the favorites to win the competition, but instead finished last with 0 points.